“Rules at a glance, then relax”
Not many, and none of them are fussy. Read the short list, glance at the longer notes underneath, and the evening will run itself.
Twelve rules you can read in a minute
- Everyone in the felt room must be eighteen or over, and we ask for photo ID from anyone who looks under forty.
- Chips are given out at the tables, counted back in at the end and never have any cash value.
- Nothing is played for money, nothing is bet, and nothing is won except a name on the board.
- Seats at a table are held for ten minutes if you step away, and for longer if you tell the dealer.
- Cards, chips and equipment stay in the felt room; please do not carry them into the hall.
- Phones are silent and pocketed at the tables; the front hall is the place for calls and photos.
- Tell the host about allergies and dietary needs when you book, and the kitchen will plan around them.
- Children are welcome in the dining room until seven, but never in the felt room.
- No one is served or seated who is rude to staff or to another guest.
- Dealers cannot give advice on how to play a particular hand, but they will happily explain the rules.
- Tipping the staff is never expected; a kind word to the kitchen is worth more.
- Leave the felt exactly as you found it, with the chair pushed in and the cup returned to the counter.
A few notes behind the rules
Why we ask for ID
The felt room is for adults, and the law says so. We would rather ask everyone politely than guess. Louise Georgiou checks identification at the front desk, and a driver licence, passport or proof-of-age card is fine. If you have forgotten it, you can still have dinner in the dining room, but you will not be able to walk through to the cards.
Chips and what they are
A chip is a plastic disc, nothing more. It does not stand for money, it cannot be exchanged for a prize, and nobody wins anything by collecting more of them. We use chips because they make the game feel like a game, and because it is satisfying to hear a stack settle on the felt.
Manners at the table
Say good evening when you sit, and leave when you stand. Keep your hands where the dealer can see them, ask before you touch a card, and let each hand finish before you comment on it. Most of the old rules are simply ways of keeping the game friendly for everyone.
Our dealers
Lisa Rossi and the other dealers are there to run the game, explain the rules and keep the pace. They will not tell you how to play your hand. They will tell you if you are about to make a mistake with the cards, and they will always do it kindly.
When something goes wrong
A spilt cup, a misdealt card, a quarrel that flares up: it happens in every room. Tell the dealer or Noel Saunders and it will be put right quickly and without drama. If you ever feel uncomfortable, say so to any member of staff, and we will deal with it.
Dress and doors
There is no dress code. Neat everyday clothes are plenty, boots are fine, and a hat comes off at the table. The felt room door stays open until the last tournament starts and is then pulled to; latecomers are welcome to knock and take the next free seat.
Taking a break
Long evenings need pauses. The hall has a pot of tea, a cold jug of water and a couple of armchairs. Step out whenever you like; your seat will be held, and your chips will wait.